Virtual Machine Automated Installation for Private Network Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of operating system software and firmware on target servers within private computer networks is challenging due to server downtime and security risks associated with accessing public networks, especially when multiple versions and configurations are involved.
Innovation Solution
The use of virtual machines and virtual machine images, including guest operating systems and automated installation server components, allows for software installation within a private network without direct access to public networks, using an installation device that interfaces with target devices to provide access to virtual machines and software packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operating system installations and upgrades are performed on target servers within a computer network, then software is updated to maintain security and performance, but server downtime increases and network issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual appliance that is a copy of the automated installation server environment, allowing installation operations to be performed on the virtual appliance rather than directly on the target server. This copying approach enables the server to be updated without requiring prolonged downtime, as the virtual appliance can perform installations more efficiently and with better rollback capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual appliance acts as an intermediary between the target server and the installation process. Instead of directly installing on the target server, the system uses the virtual appliance as a mediator to perform the installation operations, reducing the impact on target server availability and providing a safer environment for installation operations.
2Reliability
If operating systems and software packages are kept current and up-to-date, then security risks and performance issues are reduced, but installation complexity and configuration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual appliance consolidates multiple installation functions into a single universal platform. It can handle different operating system versions, multiple software packages, and various installation scenarios through a unified interface, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple installation configurations across different servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated installation processes where the virtual appliance performs installations with minimal human intervention. The automated nature of the virtual appliance reduces the complexity of manual configuration and installation management, allowing operators to maintain current software without dealing with complex installation procedures.
3Productivity
If automated installation servers are accessed over public networks for software installation, then installation efficiency improves, but security risks increase for private networks
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual appliance serves as a secure intermediary that enables automated installation functionality within the private network without requiring direct access to external public networks. It replicates the capabilities of remote automated installation servers while maintaining network security boundaries, thus providing installation efficiency without exposing the private network to external security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a secure, isolated environment (inert atmosphere) within the private network by using local virtual appliances instead of connecting to external public networks. This isolated environment maintains the security of the private network while still providing the installation efficiency of automated servers, as the virtual appliance operates independently within the secure boundary.
Data Source
AI summary
Software such as operating system software, firmware, and other software components may be installed onto target servers in private computer networks. In some embodiments, virtual machines and/or virtual machine images including guest operating systems and automated installation (AI) components, may be generated and configured to perform software installations onto target servers. For example, a virtual machine generator may be configured to create, install, and configure new virtual machines with specifications based on one or more target devices in a private network. An installation device in communication with the private network may store and/or execute the customized virtual machines to perform software installations onto target devices within the private network.